What got you started in wrestling and how old were you? I started wrestling because my dad went to college at UNC Chapel Hill on a wrestling scholarship and he wanted me to try the sport and see if I enjoyed it as much as he had. I started at the age of 6 with the Sandhills Sandcats Wrestling Club which was organized and is still run by Jim Ransdell. Jim has dedicated much time and energy in to the club and to me personally.

Do you watch college wrestling and are there any wrestlers who you try to emulate? I watch a lot of college matches on Flo Wrestling. As for emulating any one wrestler, I can’t say that I try to wrestle with their same style. I will, however, watch for things that I know I can use to improve and see how other wrestlers on the collegiate level would react in different situations.

What college would you like to attend? I have already signed my National Letter of Intent in November with the University of Virginia which was my number one choice since my sophomore year.

Have you been contacted by any D1 schools? Yes, UVA, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, App State and VT.

How did you find the recruiting process?  What are some experiences that you can share with other wrestlers? The recruiting process was intense starting with numerous telephone interviews with coaches and assistant coaches during the summer. Sometimes you would get several phone calls a day, unannounced.  The coaches would be trying to learn more about you, your personality, and your dedication to the sport. This fall I visited several schools, some officially and some unofficially. The visits were the most important part of the process. You get a chance to see the school campus, spend time with the coaches, and the team members.  It gives you the opportunity to decide what is the “right fit” for you.

Describe your off-season routine. Club wrestling:  Heavy lifting on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays (2 hours) – Drilling and Wrestling on Tuesdays and Thursdays (2 hours). Hot Yoga every Sunday night (in season and out).  This past summer, my brother Dallas and I traveled to J Robinson’s 28-Day Intensive Wrestling Camp in Minnesota.

Describe your in-season routine. 1½ hour morning weight training before school (Monday, Wednesday and Fridays).  2½ hour practice after school (Monday-Friday) – 15 min. stretching, 1 hour drilling, ½ hour conditioning, ½ hour live wrestling, 15 min. cool down.  I also attend Hot Yoga for a 1½ hours every Sunday night after church youth group to help manage my weight.

Who has been the biggest influence on you, wrestling or otherwise? My dad has definitely been the biggest influence on my wrestling and lifestyle. Ever since I could walk, my dad has been doing the best he can to teach me everything he knows about wrestling, hunting, camping, fishing, home construction, fixing cars, and how to live a full, rich life. Other influences would have to be Coach Travis Flinchum at Pinecrest and Jim Ransdell with the Sandcats - both have really helped me develop and improve as a wrestler and leader over the last several years.

What do you like to do besides wrestling? I enjoy fly fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, “4 Wheeling” in my Jeep Wrangler.

Favorite Music? I really don’t listen to music that much. The only music that I listen to is the music that the team plays during practice.

Perhaps the most important question...favorite food to eat when it's NOT wrestling season? I love to eat any kind of Italian food, chocolate chip cookie dough, milk shakes and ice cream . . . and basically anything on the McDonald’s menu.

What do you consider your highest achievement in wrestling? Definitely winning States as a Junior and signing to wrestle at UVA.  D1/ACC wrestling has always been my dream and goal.